Characterization and photocatalytic activity of mesoporous TiO 2 prepared from an ethanol–diethyl ether binary solvent system

•The hydrolysis rate is controlled by an ethanol–diethyl ether binary solvent.•Easily vaporized diethyl ether leads to a unique type of mesoporous configuration.•The purity of the prepared TiO2 is higher than commercial TiO2 P-25.•The photocatalytic was studied upon UV irradiation.•The prepared mesoporous TiO2 shows superior photocatalytic activity.